Recognizing Those Who Exemplify Our Mission

Our mission – Remember the fallen, Honor those that serve and their families, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom – is carried out in part by coordinating veterans’ wreath laying ceremonies on a specified Saturday in December at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 3,700 additional participating locations in all 50 states and beyond. The WAA mission is year-round and supported by the efforts of local volunteers in nearly every community in the United States.

Remember Award: Given annually to an individual or group who REMEMBERS the fallen and their sacrifice in a way that goes above and beyond.

Honor Award: Given annually to an individual or group who HONORS those who serve and their families in a way that supports the Wreaths Across America mission.

Teach Award: Given annually to an individual or group who has made a large contribution in TEACHING the next generation to Remember and Honor those who serve in our nation’s military.

Learn Award: Given annually to a young individual who has learned, and understands, the Wreaths Across America mission and incorporates it into their young life.

Jim Prout Spirit of Giving Award: Named in memory of James Prout, owner of Blue Bird Ranch Trucking of Jonesboro, Maine. Prout was the first person to volunteer to haul wreaths to Arlington when the program was in its infancy. The Award is given annually to a deserving professional truck driver or carrier that has supported charitable causes in a way that will positively affect generations to come.

Founders Award: Chosen by Wreaths Across America Founder Morrill Worcester, this award is presented to an individual or group who exemplifies the mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach, and shows active support of our nation’s military and veterans.

Chief Janine Roberts Leadership Award: Presented in its inaugural year (2020) to Janine Roberts for her unwavering service to the community, Wreaths Across America, and her ability to take the reins for the mission time and time again. Moving forward, Wreaths Across America will present this award to a member of the law enforcement/first responder community across the country who exemplifies the same character and dedication to service as Chief Roberts.

The Remember, Honor, Teach, Learn, and Chief Janine Roberts Leadership Awards are chosen based on nominations submitted by volunteers and the general public. The Teach Award winner will be chosen by a committee of Gold Star Mothers, led by our TEACH Curriculum Developer Cindy Tatum. The Chief Janine Roberts Leadership Award winner will be decided on by an LEO committee led by WAA LEO Liaison Janine Roberts.

The Jim Prout Spirit of Giving Award is chosen by the WAA Logistics Team based on recommendations/nominations from professional drivers, volunteers, and staff.

The Founder’s Award is chosen by the Worcester family (with final sign off from our Founder, Morrill Worcester).

The 2023 award submissions are closed. Stay tuned for 2024 award information.

Meet Wreaths Across America's Past Awardees

Founders Award

Morrill Worcester – inaugural award presented to him from Worcester family
Jim Prout - Blue Bird Ranch Trucking
Jack Metzler - former superintendent of Arlington
Maine State Society
Walmart Transportation
Barry Pottle - Pottle Transportation
Sir Stanley Wojtusik - Survivor of the Battle of the Bulge, former WAA Board Member
Dr. John Winkin
Scott deMasi - Wreaths Across America - Houston
Civil Air Patrol
Capt. John Williams
Galen Cole - Cole’s Museum
Senator Olympia Snowe (ret)
FedEx
Peter Cancro – Owner, Jersey Mike’s Subs
Carter Beard - Annin Flag Makers
Dominion Power - Accepted by Robert Doniel
James Varhegyi - Viral photo of Arlington National Cemetery
3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)
Mission BBQ Founders - Bill Krause and Steve Newton
CHEVY New England
Don Queeney, Hampton Roads Moving & Storage and Mobile Education Exhibit Volunteer
Mrs. Nancy Willey, Retired schoolteacher and longtime WAA Museum Historian
The United States of America 50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War
Wayne Hanson, Vietnam Veteran and Chairman of the Board of Directors, WAA

Remember Award

Roger M. Elk
Bre Kingsbury, Former WAA Volunteer
Ellen Fuller, WAA Volunteer
Ainsley Earhardt, FOX & Friends Co-Host
Fran Haasch, Owner of Fran Haasch Law Group
Veteran Richard "Richie" Poirier

Teach Award

Ponaganset Middle School (Rhode Island)
Teacher Larry Ross and Cheverus High School
Mary Cringan, Educator
C. Pete Peterson, Educator (Nevada)
Mrs. Nancy Willey, Retired schoolteacher and longtime WAA Museum Historian
Angela Beason, WAA Volunteer, Educator (Ark)
PenFed Credit Union
Cindy Tatum, Gold Star Mother, retired teacher and curriculum developer for WAA TEACH Program

Honor Award

Bangor Troop Greeters
Cherryfield Historical Society (accepted by Kathy Brown)
Former Maine First Lady Ann LePage
Patrick Hallinan,Former Executive Director Arlington National Cemetery
Colonel Adam Rocke (ret)- Soldier For Life
Melanie Luttrell, WAA Volunteer and wife of Navy SEAL and Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell
Dan Mead, WAA Volunteer and Board Member
Volunteer Cyndi Valencia

Learn Award

Miles Worcester, inaugural recipient
Ella (Carrie Baylor, owner of Baylor Transportation’s niece, Indiana)
Andrew Farrant, WAA Volunteer (Texas)
Brady Kirk, WAA Volunteer (Maine)
Trevor Geer, WAA Volunteer (Maryland)